Contributed by Inspector Mark Bothello The Marine Section conducted its manifold operations throughout the year with the strength of one inspector, one sergeant and 12 constables.

Its fleet of seven boats include two 22-foot Boston Whalers, tw o 27-foot Boston Whalers, two 24-foot Arctic Rigid Hull inflatables, and a 46-foot Hatteras.

Its duties include controlling inshore waters; conducting the inspection of small vessels to ensure they adhere to regulations; providing an underwater search and recovery capability as required; providing assistance as required in combating crime and assisting in crime prevention; providing emergency medical response and recovery in both insure waters and at sea; and providing inshore search and rescue.

Additional services provided by the Marine Section involve assisting with operations pertaining to underwater research; the enforcement of Agriculture and Fisheries Department regulations; inspection and drug interdiction duties and other support duties.

In the recent Core Functions Exercise, out of all the units and sections of the Bermuda Police Services reviewed, the Marine Department was found to have the largest number of duties and activities falling outside of its core functions.

Maintenance and repairs to the engines and machinery of the vessels were tendered out to various marine service firms, while Marine Section personnel performed the cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

Marine-related incidents decreased slightly compared to 1998.

A total of 1,325 incidents were reported in 1999, compared with 1,468 the previous years.

Bermuda Harbour Radio logged 1,081 foreign yacht arrivals.

Also this year, there was a significant increase in liquor permits granted to local cruise boats - 47 in 1999 compared to 29 in 1998.

Again, these were granted without incident.

The Marine Section continues to provide the primary surface search and rescue facility in local waters. Officers conducted 225 search and rescue missions, out of a total of 376 reported incidents - compared with 217 in 1998.

One fatality was recorded this year involving a swimmer off Elbow Beach.

A total of 361 offences were detected for the year, lower than the 404 recorded for the previous year.

Five persons were arrested. Common offences included stealing marine equipment, boat registration violations, marine safety and fisheries violations, and incidents of marine speeding.

Marine pollution continues to be a threat to the island through the discharge of oil, effluents and the inconsiderate dumping of trash into the waters.

Marine Police successfully prosecuted an oil tanker company following an oil spill from a visiting tanker, resulting in a substantial fine. An incident of discharge of sewerage into a local harbour was also investigated.

The recovery of property as a result of crime and/or accidental loss, and the recovery of explosive ordnance prompted 28 operational underwater searches in 1999.

Two diving operations involved the recovery of cars from the waters, following road traffic accidents, and a number of dives involved the recovery of stolen cycles.

In addition, marine officers were involved in a number of water safety events, including the Safety at Sea Seminar for participants of the Newport to Bermuda Yacht Race.

Marine officers also gave lectures to various organisations including the Police Night School and the weeklong Marine Skills exercise with the Bermuda Regiment.

Every opportunity was taken to educate the public on water safety and crime prevention by the distribution of relevant brochures and pamphlets.

Marine Officers were involved in a number of water safety events, including the Safety at Sea Seminar for the participants of the Newport to Bermuda Yacht Race.

Two officers attended a Pollution Prevention Officers' Course at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1999.

Two others attended in International Police Diver's Symposium in Ontario. The Marine Section also hosted a number of in-house search and rescue, boat handling, navigation and diver training courses throughout the year.

The Bermuda Reserve Police continued to provide invaluable assistance to this section with a sergeant and four constables.

Their assistance is particularly appreciated during the busy summer weekends and public holidays.

Marine Police: Left, PC Paul Watson and Sgt. Gary Venning making our harbours safe.

DRUGS DGS